Here comes the rain again....

This 80's Eurythmics hit just keeps playing itself over and over again in my head these days. Not because I am a fan of it....but the subject of rain simply can't be avoided here in Northern Cal. 26 days of rain in March, a new record. Now, we are 11 days into April and 10 have been rainy. 17 days is the record and I am sure we will make a run to beat it.

Lance Armstrong was quoted as saying, "When I look outside and its raining, I just put on my rain jacket and go!" That is great in theory but when it comes down to it I would rather stay inside on the couch with some hot coffee. Maybe I can get away with that for a day here and there, but in realty, its the running that keeps me going and brings balance into my busy life.

TREADMILLS ARE FOR HAMSTERS!!!!

Running inside, just kills me. I don't mind a few miles here and there, at a busy gym. I can put on my headphones and watch a game, listen to music, or randomly people watch. Anything more than that, forget it...let's go back outside.

Today, we have better equipment and apparel that is designed to keep water out and not bog us down. This makes a huge difference when the skies on the western horizon are looming over with a dark grey hue and the imminent look of rain. Yes, the right apparel does make it easier, but only for a moment. Besides shoes getting water logged, running in the rain is not really that bad. Let's face it...you are going to get wet to some degree even if there were no rain. The killer part for me is the process....

First its cold...and I am not warmed up yet. Then, as I get going, the protective wear I have on slowly gives way to the impending water that seems to find its way in through every little nook possible. Now the water seems damn cold....I'm still not warmed up. Okay, finally I start to feel my own sweat and body heat mix in and I am comfortably warm...I feel like I can run forever at this point.

Yes, the rain does suck....but then soon the hot days of summer will be here and it will be more tempting to turn on the AC and have a cold beer...but I'll save that for after the run. For today...all I want is a 45 minute window to get 5 miles in!!!